Exceptional Roofing

Buying a new roof for your home can be a challenge! In addition to being an important and costly investment, it’s also not something most of us think about until the decision is upon us – whether as a result of a bad storm or ongoing leaks.

As Peachtree Corners’ best-known roofing contractor, we understand you are probably new to the world of roofing and may be unsure whether your roof needs replacing or repairing. Here’s a short overview of what a roofer looks at when inspecting your roof, and the warning signs that your home’s roof may no longer be getting the job done:

Anatomy of a Roof

When you need to discuss your roof with your contractor, it’s helpful to understand some of the terminology commonly used in the business. Here are some roofing terms you’ll find handy to know: 

• Architectural shingles: Also called dimensional or laminated shingles, these are made from fiberglass and asphalt, then they are laminated or textured to give an attractive 3D look.
• Decking: The plywood that covers the roof’s wooden frame. The deck or decking can also be called sheathing. 
• Felt: Paper-like material used as a protective layer on top of the decking and under the roof’s shingles. It is often impregnated with asphalt and acts as an additional water barrier.
• Flashing: Usually made of metal and is used to prevent leaks around roof elements like pipes, chimneys, dormers, and valleys.
• Eave: A roof edge that overhangs the exterior wall of the home or building. 
• Drip edge: Flashing usually made of steel that goes along eaves at a 90º angle to direct rain water runoff into the roof gutters. 
• Rafter: The individual pieces of wood that makes up the roof’s frame. Rafters support the decking and extend from the peak of the roof down to where the roof meets the exterior walls. Rafter tails are the end points of the rafters. 
• Soffit: The finished underside of the eaves, or roof overhang.
• Fascia: Often called “the boards behind the roof gutters”, this vertical roof trim is found just under the roof where it covers the rafter tails at the eaves.
• Leak barrier: A self-adhering and self-healing material which is applied to the roof’s deck to protect it from severe rain storms.
• Roof ventilation: A system for removing hot air and moisture from the attic area. Ventilation can be power-driven or static, and is critically important to the roof’s ability to maintain a comfortable inside temperature level.

You can find more roofing terminology at the GAF website.

Symptoms of a Sick Roof

A roof that’s been on your house for 15 years or more is probably due for a check up! Here’s what to look for:

	Buckling and Curling Shingles A sign that your shingles have reached the end of their life and are no longer getting the job done. Buckled and curled shingles can also be easily damaged if walked on and indicate that most likely, the whole roof needs replacement.
	Rotting Shingles Like curling and buckling shingles, rotting shingles are not easily repaired and suggest your roof needs replacement due to old age.
	Dark Areas of Algae Growth There are many causes for roof stains, from a defect in the shingles or rust to chimney soot and moss, and they can vary in significance from cosmetic to harmful. Roof stains need to be promptly diagnosed and fixed.
	Water Spots on your Ceilings Water is the enemy of a house – it can cause structural problems, mold, and even provide an invitation to various insects looking for a place to live! Water on your ceilings means an immediate roof repair is in order to seal the leaking section of your roof.
	Missing Shingles Shingles that have blown away in a storm provide an opportunity for water to penetrate your roof’s decking from where it can get into your house. Depending upon the severity of this problem, you may need a full roof replacement, or you may be able to address the issue with skilled repair work to the affected areas.
	Asphalt Shingle Granules in the Gutters When your gutters are full of granules, your shingles can no longer do their job of protecting your roof. The granules now in your gutter were important for giving your roof its color, protecting it from the sun, and enhancing its ability to repel water. Significant granule loss is another sign that your roof may need replacement.

Healing Your Roof

If you’ve noticed roof damage of the kind we have described, it is probably time to call in a roofing professional to help you to assess your roof’s problems and determine whether they can be fixed, or if a roof replacement is in order.

While many roofing problems can be repaired and stains can be fixed, if the consensus is that your roof is no longer working properly, replacing it is an important investment in preserving the overall value of your home.

As you go through this process, remember that your homeowner’s insurance policy may be able to help you to cover a portion of the costs.

Fortress Roofing recommends you prioritize the maintenance and repair of your roof – its health is vitally important to the overall good health of your house!

Choosing your Roofing Contractor

We hope that Fortress Roofing is always your number one choice when it comes to roofers, but we understand that you want to be absolutely sure! Here are some key criteria for selecting a roofing contractor, as recommended by various national organizations:

• Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax I.D. number, plus a state or local business license to perform roofing work.

• Don’t be fooled into hiring the low price bidder based on cost alone! Your roof must last for at least 15 to 20 years and needs to be installed professionally by a contractor who is committed to quality materials and quality workmanship.

• Ask to see your roofer’s liability insurance coverage and workers' compensation. Check that both are valid for the timeframe that your roofing work will be performed.

• Expect a written proposal for your roofing work that clearly states the kind of work to be done, the materials to be used, the approximate start and finish dates, and payment amounts and procedures.

• Ask about how your roofing work will be supervised, and how you can communicate with the contractor and the crew, should issues or questions arise. Know the name of the supervisor who will oversee your project.

• Look for a company with a solid reputation for quality roofing services. Check references carefully and consider visiting completed job sites to see the work that was done and meet other homeowners.

• Be sure to read and understand the roofing warranty provided by your contractor.

Selecting Your Roofing Shingles

So many colors, so many styles! Fortress Roofing is proud to offer a wide selection of roofing styles and shingle colors to complement your home:

Shingle Styles:

GOOD	BETTER	BEST
Basic 3 Tab Shingles	Architectural Shingles	Lifetime Designer Shingles & Slate Roofing
GOOD	BETTER	BEST

Shingle Colors:

As you can see, there are many attractive color options available in roofing shingles. Fortress Roofing can help you to choose the one that’s perfect for your house. We have multiple samples to show you and will even put them up on your roof for you to see!

Slate	Barkwood	Charcoal	Hickory
Hunter Green	Shakewood	Weathered Wood